This week on bigcitysmalltown, newly elected District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan joins host Cory Ames for an extended conversation about the close race that made him the youngest member of San Antonio’s City Council—and the immediate challenges facing the city as he steps into office.
Galvan reflects on what motivated his campaign, how neighborhood involvement and grassroots support shaped his candidacy, and the razor-thin margin by which he won. With just over a month in post, he shares early insights on leading a diverse district and building an effective council team.
The conversation moves to some of the most pressing issues on the city’s agenda:
• The $1 billion “Project Marvel” Spurs downtown arena proposal and how city council should weigh public investment
• San Antonio’s approaching budget deficit, the structural factors behind it, and what hard choices may be ahead
• The impact of partisan politics at the local level and how councilmembers can bridge divides within their own districts
• What constituents across District 6 prioritize, from flood infrastructure to housing and public safety
• How Galvan sees the upcoming city bond process as an essential tool for neighborhood input and long-term investment
Galvan speaks candidly about challenges, optimism, trade-offs, and where he believes city council should focus as San Antonio navigates tight margins—both politically and fiscally—in the years ahead.
▶️ #126. Mayor Ron Nirenberg on 8 Years of Progress—and What Comes Next for San Antonio – Go behind the scenes of San Antonio’s transformation as Bob Rivard sits down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg to reflect on his legacy, major city initiatives, and the challenges ahead. This conversation offers candid insights into civic leadership, housing, workforce development, and the future of the city as a new administration takes the reins.
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